Select the test you want to take. NATE provides certifying exams in the areas of installation, service and senior level personnel. Browse the NATE website (see Resource 1) and read test descriptions to check for which one you qualify. Service technicians get automatic certification in installation, too.
Determine exam you should take. Getting NATE certification involves clearing a core exam and one out of 10 specialty areas such as air conditioning, air distribution, heat pumps, hydronics gas, commercial refrigeration and HVAC efficiency.
Get information regarding the syllabus for the core and specialty exams from the NATE website. The core exam includes 50 questions on safety, tools, electrical aspects, heat transfer principles and soft skills, and the passing grade is 70 percent. The specialty exam has 100 questions and 70 percent is the passing grade. You should pass both these exams in a single test session to earn certification. If you pass just one you earn credit for it and can take the other one after a month's gap for study and training, but within two years of the first time you took the test.
Check the NATE website (see Resource 2) for details of testing locations. These may be independent organizations such as unions, trade centers or trade schools. Find one that is close to you and register by paying the prescribed fee as specified by the test provider. Fix a date for your test.
Study for the exam using resources on the NATE website (see Resource 3).
Carry your photo ID and a calculator when you sit for the exam. However, cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed in the testing center. Complete both the core and specialty exams in the allotted four hours, and wait for the test results.